I felt I must post this photo. This is the baby gown I rescued from a dark, damp garage area of an antique store. I could not bear to see this master work left unrecognized and forgotten forever. I believe it is fine linen. Every stitch, not only the embroidery, is hand done. I found it dingy and covered with tiny rust colored spots, maybe mold. It only had a few baby food stains. I treated it with Dawn dish soap and some Shout stain treatment. I left it soak for 24 hours and then washed it by hand with more Dawn. Then I rinsed it well and laid it on a towel to dry.
I am hoping to locate a museum that specializes in hand made clothing. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact me through this web site. Also, be sure to zoom in on the little dress photo in order to appreciate the tiny stitches. Diana